Alabama Firehouse Blaze Ruled Arson

Dec. 18--DANVILLE -- Investigators have ruled the fire that destroyed Danville Fire Station No. 2 to be arson.

A blaze swept through the 60-by-160-foot metal structure on Alabama 157 early Friday. No one was injured.

State fire marshal public information officer Steve Holmes said Tuesday there are no suspects.

"It has been determined that the fire was intentionally set -- in other words, the cause of the fire was arson. I really can't say a lot more about it," Holmes said.

The fire station and equipment were insured. Danville Fire Capt. Jason Fields said firefighters did not yet have an estimate on the value of the damaged property. The fate of the heavily damaged station had yet to be decided.

"We're still waiting for insurance to tell us if they're going to try and repair the building or if it will have to be torn down and replaced, so we don't know at this time," Fields said.

Fields said the department was able to continue services as normal without the second station.

"We have enough equipment at Station 1 that we're fully operational. We've been answering calls since Friday," he said.

The Morgan County Sheriff's Department is assisting with the investigation.

Holmes asked for the public's help as well. Anyone with information can call the Alabama Arson Hotline 800-654-0775 or submit an anonymous tip online at firemarshal.alabama.gov.

Seth Burkett can be reached at 256-340-2446 or sburkett@decaturdaily.com.